My dad recently visited me here in California.  He is 65, living in
Baltimore, MD, and has been diagnosed with Chronic Venous
Insufficiency within the last year or so.  He has wounds/ulcers on his
legs that have been lingering and not healing, and I am concerned
about his condition.

The ulcers he has aren't seeming to get any better, and, in fact, he's
getting more on his other leg.  He hobbles around with a cane and it's
almost getting to the point where he can no longer walk.  He sleeps
with his bed at an angle (legs elevated), and uses compression
stockings, along with having his wounds debreeded (when necessary) and
wrapped twice a week at a local wound care center.

I think these leg injuries make it difficult for him to bathe, too,
and may even eliminate an odor themselves. Nonetheless, he seems to
carry an unpleasant odor and people he encounters are often repulsed
and offended by his apparent hygiene (though, out of 'politeness,'
they seldom voice this to him directly).  I've heard about self-
dissolving soaps and other ways to stay clean, but I'm beginning to
wonder if his obesity makes it difficult for him to clean himself to
the point that he opts for self neglect.

In reflection, my thoughts on helping him are to seek out people who
may have experienced the same problem who have healed and conquered
the issue.  If he could find such 'models,' perhaps they could be his
road map to improved health?  I gave him one of Dr. Andrew Weil's
books, "8 Weeks to Optimum Health," and sincerely hope he reads and
follows it.  In his case, it could be more like 8 Months, but I think
Dr. Weil is an inspiring and wise doctor and writer who's advice is
impeccable.

From a layman's perspective, I can say that one thing he could
immediately do is commit to a strict and healthy diet.  Perhaps all
raw/organic fruits and vegetables.  He is overweight, perhaps grossly
overweight, and I fear that his ignorance of his intake, such as fatty
salad dressings, burgers, etc., could be having a drastically negative
effect on his health.

This leg ulcer condition, coupled with his obesity, almost seem to
have created an unstoppable 'downward spiral.'  He does have
jurisdiction over his diet, though, but like many, may using (abusing)
food to comfort his pain.  He seems to also have chronic fatigue,
where he drifts off into a sleep at random times throughout the day.
Many of his symptoms, combined, seem to point to diabetes, but he
seems to be stubborn, and hasn't taken the fasting blood test
necessary to make such an 'official' diagnosis.  Perhaps the diabetic
problem could be a "root cause" which, once addressed, could help all
other areas move toward a healthier state?

I told my dad that if I were in his shoes, I'd be putting great effort
into seeking such a "model", and would do the following:

- Concentrate on and commit to a permanent diet and weight loss plan
and establish healthy eating through a raw foods diet, using a Vita-
Mix blender to make freshly juiced raw fruit and veggie smoothies for
all of my meals, as well as taking vitamin supplements as recommended
by a dietitian / nutritionist, or Dr. Weil's Vitamin Advisor at
<http://www.drweil.com/vitamin_advisor>.

- Study and consider alternative treatments such as Chinese medicine,
the use of magnets, Yoga and Indian medicine, the use of healing hot
springs, crystals, the use of wheat grass juice, Kombucha mushroom
tea, the use of Sweat Lodges and Medicine Men, herbal medicine,
acupuncture, etc.

- Continue seeking others who have healed from similar conditions, and
how they did it.

- Motivate and focus the mind on success and wellness.  Take time
daily to visualize being blessed by healing energy, and creating an
image of a "healthy you" as the target of your efforts. Motivation is
a big factor, and though my dad's mind is filled with motivational
teachings, I wonder how much he truly takes to heart and practices.
This is something that must come from within - he must have the
burning desire to overcome his ailments and win his battles.

If anyone knows of any resources we might be able to refer to,
especially examples persons who may have been in his condition, who
have successfully overcome this problem, and how they did it, please
post info here.

Thank you!

~RBCA